Laborers Health & Wellness Clinics

The Laborers Health & Wellness Clinics are here for you and your summer well-being needs, including treatment for insect bites and rashes.

Just thinking about ticks and poison ivy can make your skin crawl. But if you enjoy hiking, hunting, spending time at the cabin, or other outdoor activities, encounters with ticks and rash-causing plants can be part of the package. It's important to perform regular skin checks after spending time outdoors.

How to Remove a Tick

If you find a tick embedded in your skin, remove it as soon as possible by following these steps:

Tick Bite Symptoms

Many people won't experience any symptoms from a tick bite, but tick bites can cause:

When to Worry About a Tick Bite

Generally, tick bites aren't a cause for concern. However, you should reach out to your Laborers Health & Wellness team if:

Schedule an Appointment Today

Talk to your Laborers Health & Wellness care team about any concerning insect bites or rashes. We can provide personalized recommendations to help keep you healthy and feeling your best.

Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here for you and your skincare needs, including sunburns, eczema, rashes and dry skin.

Summer goes fast in Minnesota; you have to make the most of it. After layering up during the cooler seasons, it’s finally time to get outside and soak up the warmth. That means sun, swimsuits and exposing your skin to the elements. It’s the ideal time ensure your skin is healthy and looking its best.

6 ways to protect your skin

  1. Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily 
  2. Wear a hat and sunglasses​
  3. Avoid tanning beds​
  4. Wear protective clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) tag​
  5. Stay in the shade during peak sun times​
  6. Be cautious when taking medications that make your skin more sensitive to the sun​

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics can help with skin checks

It’s important to do regular skin checks and watch for changing moles and skin conditions. If you have any suspicious spots or need another set of eyes on difficult-to-see body parts – like your back and head – our team can assist with skin checks. We’re also able to help identify and treat rashes, sunburns, dry skin and eczema.

Schedule an appointment today

Talk to your Laborers Health & Wellness care team about your skincare needs. We can make personalized recommendations to keep your skin healthy and looking its best.  

Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here for your cold, allergy and well-being needs.

A runny, yet stuffy nose. An annoying cough. A scratchy throat. Something’s settling in, but at this time of year, it can be tough to know if it’s a cold or seasonal allergies.

5 ways to know if your symptoms are allergy-related 

For some, allergy symptoms just include a few sneezes. But for others, seasonal allergies can cause congestion, a runny or itchy nose, watery eyes, headaches and more for months at a time. Here are some of the telltale symptoms of allergies:  

  1. Allergies follow a pattern and symptoms stick around longer
  2. Allergies don’t cause fevers
  3. Allergies don’t cause wet coughs
  4. Itchy eyes, ears, nose and throat signal allergies
  5. Allergies rarely cause sore throats or body aches

When to seek care

If you aren’t sure if it’s a cold or allergies, or if your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, it’s best to connect with your Laborers Health & Wellness team to get an official diagnosis and treatment plan. If your symptoms are left untreated, you could become more prone to getting sinus infections.

Schedule an appointment today

Talk to your Laborers Health & Wellness care team about all your cold, allergy and upper-respiratory needs. We can discuss testing and treatment options to find a solution that works best for you.  

Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100. 

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here for you and your preventive care needs, including cancer screenings and FIT tests.

Colorectal (colon) cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. It’s a cancer that can be prevented or detected at an early stage – when it’s most effectively treated. That’s why it’s so important to follow screening guidelines.

Don’t wait for symptoms

Colon cancer screenings look for cancer or precancer in people who have no symptoms. Many people with colon cancer or rectal cancer don’t experience symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

Latest guidance: Start at age 45

American Cancer Society recommends that men and women begin colon cancer screenings at age 45. The starting age used to be 50, but this was updated in 2021 because colon cancer in younger people has increased. Your doctor may recommend you begin screenings earlier if you have certain risk factors.

Colonoscopies

Doctors use colonoscopies to check the lining of your colon for anything unusual, such as inflamed tissue and polyps (small growths that can become cancerous). Your doctor can detect and remove precancerous lesions during the procedure, helping prevent cancer in the future.

FIT tests

A relatively new screening alternative is FIT tests. These are annual stool tests that look for the presence of blood in your stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer. A FIT test is noninvasive convenient, and it can be collected at home or in our clinic.

Talk to your Laborers Health & Wellness care team about your preventive care needs. We can discuss your risk factors and help you decide whether a colonoscopy or FIT test is right for you.

Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100. 

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here for you and your travel-related health. Sunburn, dehydration, diarrhea, infection and illness can take the fun out of any family vacation. The good news is there are things you can do before, during and after your trip to help you stay healthy.

Preparation before you go 

If you’re traveling internationally:

Packing list

  1. Prescription medications for your carry-on
  2. Over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol, Advil and Imodium 
  3. Health insurance card 
  4. Snacks like bars, granola, nuts and dried fruit 
  5. Hand wipes and sanitizer
  6. Sunscreen and insect repellant

Water and food safety while traveling

Drinking tap water might get you sick in less developed countries. Stick with bottled water to avoid bacteria and water-based illnesses. Also avoid raw foods and prepared fruits, vegetables and fresh juices.

When you feel sick after traveling

If you have symptoms that last more than a few days after you return home from vacation, talk to your Laborers Health & Wellness team for advice. Don’t delay if you have fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, or if you have an unusual skin rash or signs of an infection.

Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here to support your well-being needs, including mental health.

Most people can experience mood-lifting and stabilizing benefits when they get plenty of exercise and eat the right foods. Start with these tips for eating and nutrition.

  1. Complex carbohydrates – Fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread and pasta, legumes, oatmeal and quinoa supply the body with the energy it needs to function well.
  2. Nuts and seeds – Almonds, cashews, walnuts and  sunflower seeds help increase levels of melatonin and serotonin, and can also help maintain proper brain function and ward off depression. 
  3. Dark chocolate – High in flavanols, dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, helps prevents blood clots and increases blood to the brain. 
  4. Seafood – Fish and shellfish are a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are key to brain function and health.
  5. Leafy greens – An excellent source of vitamin B9 and magnesium (which increase serotonin levels), leafy greens like kale and spinach lower stress and curb anxiety. 
  6. Seek professional help if you have ongoing concerns about your mental health – If changes to diet and exercise routines don’t improve your mood, reach out to your Laborers Health & Wellness team.

Schedule an appointment today 

If you have concerns about anxiety or depression, schedule an appointment with your Laborers Health & Wellness team. We can make personalized recommendations and offer treatment to help you feel your best.

Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here to support all your well-being needs, including skin health. We offer treatment for dry skin, eczema, cold sores and rashes. 

During the cold winter months, it’s common for skin to get a little dry and rough. In severe cases, dry skin develops cracks and fissures that become inflamed and itchy.

The good news is you can take action to manage dry skin and eczema. Start with these tips.

  1. Moisturize frequently – Apply lotion or cream multiple times a day, especially after washing hands and showering.
  1. Choose gentle, fragrance-free products – Switch to mild cleansers and beauty products to avoid irritation and protect the skin’s moisture barrier.
  1. Use a humidifier – Adding moisture to indoor air during dry, cold months helps prevent skin from drying out.
  1. Consider natural oils, like coconut oil – Coconut oil can provide extra hydration and may help soothe eczema-prone skin.
  2. Seek professional help when symptoms persist – If dryness or irritation doesn’t improve with home care, reach out to your Laborers Health & Wellness team.

Schedule an appointment today 

If you have concerns about dry skin, eczema, cold sores or rashes, schedule an appointment with your Laborers Health & Wellness team. We can make personalized recommendations to help your skin look and feel its best all year round. 

Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here to support all your well-being needs, including heart health.

Heart attack rates are highest in the coldest months. Even people with good overall health have a greater risk. But we know your sidewalk isn’t going to shovel itself. Here are some important tips to help you stay healthy this winter.

Schedule an appointment today

If you have concerns about your heart health or limitations when exercising, schedule an appointment with your Laborers Health & Wellness team. We can make personalized recommendations to help you live your healthiest life all year round. 

Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here to support all your well-being needs, including healthy sleep

When you have a lot on your mind, it can sometimes seem impossible to fall asleep. Try these relaxation tips to quiet your mind and achieve better sleep.

Help is available

If anxiety interrupts your sleep for more than three weeks, schedule an appointment with your Laborers Health & Wellness team. We can help support your anxiety and sleep-related concerns. We can also refer you to mental and behavioral health, or sleep medicine services as needed.

Schedule an appointment today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics are here to get you ready for flu season with all the facts – and appointments for immunizations. 

As crisp fall weather rolls in, there’s another change in the air – the flu. Flu-related misinformation spreads quickly, just like the flu does. So, if you’re wondering, “Should I get the flu shot,” take a look at myths vs. facts.

Myth #1: You can get the flu from the flu shot.

In fact, flu vaccines consist of dead (or inactive) strains of influenza viruses that trigger an immune response, not illness. This immune response is a sign the vaccine is working.

Myth #2: You don’t need to get a flu shot every year.

In fact, the flu shot is only effective for one season. The vaccine formula is updated every year to provide the best protection.

Myth #3: Waiting until winter for a flu shot is safer.

In fact, while peak respiratory season is between December and February, you can get sick much earlier. Strive to get your flu shot by the end of October since it takes two weeks after your shot to build up full immunity.

Myth #4: I don’t need the vaccine, I never get the flu.

In fact, a flu-free history doesn’t guarantee a flu-free future. Flu strains evolve and change over time, which means you’re at risk every year you avoid getting vaccinated.

Myth #5: Flu shots don’t work.

In fact, the flu vaccine significantly reduces your risk of catching the flu. It also reduces your risk of severe illness and hospitalization. The CDC reports getting vaccinated reduces the chance of catching the flu by up to 60%.

Schedule your flu shot today

The Laborers Health & Wellness clinics can help with all your health and immunization needs; schedule your flu shot today at https://www.healthpartners.com/laborersschedule or call 952-687-8100.

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